Pastor Powell's Column

June 2010

Musings

June is the month of weddings. So for many readers, it’s also a month of anniversaries. All this reminds me of my 40th wedding anniversary that comes up somewhat later this summer. Hallelujah! Forty down and forty to go!

Then suddenly it dawns on me: I am in a whole decade of major anniversaries. Last year, the fortieth anniversary of entering full-time ministry, as well as the fortieth for our first date. In the next few years there will be my fiftieth spiritual birthday, my fortieth year as a pastor, and the fiftieth year since my first sermon. The Fellowship will celebrate its fortieth year since founding, but not before I come to my twentieth year serving as pastor here. The really big one is the five hundredth year of the Protestant Reformation (1516-2016). Then the Big Decade is capped off with my seventieth birthday. Who knows? Maybe I will retire.

All this adds up to a lot of experience. I wish I could also say that means a lot of wisdom. All too often it has been a lot of God’s grace covering my foolishness. And failures. And stubbornness and waywardness and wrong decisions. I am amazed to see God’s patience in continuing to work with such a slow learner.

But that is God’s way. In God’s Word we read the promise that “He which hath begun a good work in you will continue to perform it until the day of Christ.” God finishes what He starts. How grateful I am that He does! I would hate to think it depended on my faithfulness. That would be a recipe for disappointment. But no, it all depends on God’s faithfulness. Life. Ministry. Results. Without God’s presence, power, and pardon, it would have all flamed out long ago.

Perhaps this is beginning to sound like the musings of a geezer in his last throes. In reality, I am starting each new day with the excitement to see what new adventures God has in store. The way I get to see him work in people’s lives, the joy of seeing a church family mature and spread its wings, the evidences of God’s Kingdom at work and expanding all across the globe – these are all victories of God’s power over the darkness. What greater joy is there in life?

I get to feed daily on the delights of His Word. I am blessed to enjoy life with the wife of my youth. My children keep giving me adorable new grandchildren. New ministries emerge from the energy of God at work in His people. From time to time, new light breaks in on darkened souls, and hearts long held in bondage are set free. Answers to prayers pass through like gentle spring rains, and the sunshine of God’s love shines through the smiles of newlyweds.

Truly I am a blessed man!

Yet all my musings bring me no closer to the ultimate question of the hour: What can I get my wife for our anniversary??